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About the programme

Background

The incidence of diabetes continues to grow at an alarming rate. Some of the most concerning growth is occurring with young people under 25 in each of the seven regions. Over 50% of the world’s population is under 30, yet with only 5% of people with diabetes being under the age of 30, the needs of young people with diabetes can often be forgotten and that’s why it’s vital for them to have a voice within the IDF and their member associations.

Debbie Jones, Chair of the Young Leaders in Diabetes Programme: “The IDF Young Leaders in Diabetes Programme went from a dream to a reality in Dubai 2011, where 70 young people with diabetes from around the world came together for Leadership Training and to attend the World Diabetes Congress. Since Dubai, these Young Leaders have continued to work together with their Member Associations and have achieved the impossible. Their projects are testament to the hard work and commitment they have shown to the global diabetes community as well as locally. They are an inspiration to all who meet them and I am both honored and privileged to have had this opportunity of working alongside them.”

Vision

To improve the lives of young people affected by diabetes worldwide.

Mission

The Young Leaders in Diabetes programme is the key driver in enhancing the lives of young people living with diabetes. The Young Leaders are committed to raising awareness of diabetes by being a powerful voice for prevention, education, access to quality care, improved quality of life, and the end of discrimination worldwide. The YLD programme supports the International Diabetes Federation in reaching its strategic plans.

Aims

The YLD programmes aims to reach the following goals:
1. Be a voice for young people affected by diabetes worldwide.
2. Identify and support the development of Young Leaders in the international diabetes community.
3. Empower and educate Young Leaders to support the mission of YLD and IDF by strengthening the IDF member associations.

Governance Structure

The Young Leaders in Diabetes Programme is governed by the YLD Council. The YLD Governance Council consists of the following bodies:

YLD Regional Council

“The main tasks of the YLD Regional Council are to centralize all the information about the Young Leaders in Diabetes Programme, organizing meetings and strengthen the links between the IDF’s regional chapter and the Young Leaders in the respective region. It is hard work to be a Regional Council member, but it brings you pleasure and a lot of friends.”– Timothée Froment, YLD Regional Chair Europe

More information about the YLD Programme

Currently there are 132 Young Leaders acting on diabetes all around the world. To know where they are located and to read about their personal experiences with diabetes, please click here. For an overview of the projects and activities they are organizing, please have a look here.
If you want more information about how to get involved in the YLD programme, please have a look on the Frequently Asked Questions or send us an email through our contact form.